Jessie Lyman was born January 2, 1877. She graduated from Westport High School (Westport, MO, now part of Kansas City) in 1897 at the head of her class. From what I have read of her diaries so far, it appears she went on to teach school for a couple years in Columbia, MO. She married Herman Eckert in June of 1899. On July 26, 1900, she died giving birth to twins Conrad and Cornelia at the age of 22. Conrad is my mother's mother's father.
-----------------------------------------------
Sun, Oct. 24 [1897]
We went to church and saw Forest. I took his overcoat and patching. Rob sold his horse yesterday for $47. Forest was pleased to get so much. It is more than he paid for her.
Mr. Emmett Scott came this afternoon. After chatting a while he suggested that we take a drive. We had a lovely time. It was dark when we got home. He came in and we ate a lunch, and he stayed till 9:15. I enjoyed his call very much. We are going driving again, and he is going to take me skating too. Oh I see some fun ahead.
While we were out, John Wilson and his sister came. I was sorry to have missed their call, as I have been expecting them for a good while. John is a good skater too.
I do hope I will hear from Herman tomorrow.
Mon, Oct. 25th
Aunt Mary was taken sick this morning, and Logan came for Aunt Florence. We got along the best we could for breakfast. I left all the work and when I got home there was plenty to do. I went to work to get supper, and clean up. I made baking powder biscuits, with great fear and trembling. I was frying rabbit when Aunt Florence came bringing the children. She helped me finish. My biscuits were fine.
Tues, Oct. 26th
Nothing unusual happened today. Aunt Mary is much better, and I got a letter from Herman.
Wed, Oct. 27th
The children came over again today because Aunt Mary's head ached so badly. They will stay till Uncle Willie sends for them now.
Thurs, Oct. 28th
The boys went for hickory nuts yesterday, and today Clarence went to a sale. It is quite cool this evening.
Friday, Oct. 29th
This ends my second month of school teaching. I have just finished making out my report. I will get some money this month that I can buy some necessary articles with. I will get a hat tomorrow.
I got two letters today, one from Mamma and one from Nettie Munsell.
Sat, Oct. 30th
We went to town today and got my money. I bought a hat and pair of shoes.
I saw Jehu Wilson in town, and Emmett Scott too. He talked quite a while as I was waiting in the buggy for Aunt Florence. I afterward saw him on the street, and he followed me into the book store and asked me to take a drive with him tomorrow. I accepted with pleasure.
Sun, Oct 31st
It was raining this morning, so we just mailed some letters, for Forest, and came home, instead of going to church. Forest likes my hat very much.
Mr. Scott came in the afternoon and spent the evening. As it was raining, we didn't go driving. I had a very pleasant evening. We had a religious talk.
Mr. Scott seems to have a very high opinion of me. He surprised me this evening by some of his remarks on my character, nature, etc. when this was only the third time I have met him. I must be a little on my guard. He complimented my hat, and spoke highly of my taste in selecting it.
--------------------------------------
Oooo, drama! How exciting.
I've been trying to figure out why she abbreviates every day of the week except for Friday. The best I can figure is that there has historically been some superstition surrounding Friday -- it was considered unlucky, apparently up into the 1900s, if this source is to be believed. Anyone have any other thoughts on this?
Also, and I quote, "Jehu is not in the top 1000 male names for any year of birth in the last 131 years. Please enter another name." Ha ha! Not so surprising.
3 comments:
Oo exciting! Gosh, I love journals. It's a dying art. This makes me want to start at it again.
I always cook with "great fear and trembling". Glad her biscuits turned out fine. :-)
Aunt Katie, I laughed about the biscuits, too. I can relate!
Post a Comment